What to do in Peru

Peru is one of the most extraordinary countries in the world. It is a treasure trove of jewels for visitors, with fascinating things to see and do. The country boasts prestigious gastronomic traditions, having been awarded the title of ‘culinary destination of South America’ for the 5th consecutive year by the World Travel Awards. If you are new to Peru, we have put together a list of hotspots that you can visit all across the country, combining culture, nature, and impressive cities. Below we present a list of the most important places in Peru, however, the list is exhaustive with many more significant sites to be explored.

1. Cusco

Cusco is one of the most important cities in Peru. Its vast array of natural and archaeological sites offers visitors a unique perspective into the history of the region, and a lasting experience you can take home with you for years to come.

1.1 Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu is without a doubt the number one destination for tourists visiting Peru. It is an astonishing piece of history that embodies the Inca civilisation throughout the Andean region. If you are looking for tours to Machu Picchu, contact us directly through WhatsApp.

1.2 Rainbow Mountain

The Mountain of 7 Colors, or Vinicunca as it is locally known, is one of Cusco’s most prized natural attractions. It is located in the Andes mountains, 3 hours’ drive from Cusco city, at an altitude of 5,000 m / 16,404 ft. To reach it, we advise visitors to acclimatize for at least one day in the city of Cusco, which has an altitude of 3,400 m / 11,155 ft. This will reduce the symptoms of altitude sickness and ensure you have the most fulfilling experience at the summit. The striking colours of the Rainbow Mountain and its surrounding Red Valley, brings thousands of visitors to its viewpoint every year.

1.3 Humantay Lake

The Humantay Lagoon is one of the most picturesque tours visitors can find in the Cusco region. On the journey from Cusco city, you will get to know the lush valley of the Apurímac River, passing through Andean towns where the native Quechua people keep the Inca traditions alive. The hike up to the lagoon follows the mountain trail for 90 minutes to an altitude of 4,180 m / 13,714 ft. After which you’ll be treated to one of the most stunning views of an Andean valley that can be found in the area. On a clear day the breathtaking waters of the turquoise lake reflect the snow-capped peaks of its glacial mountain, Humantay. Filling your heart with joy and your camera full of jaw dropping souvenir photos to take home with you!

1.4 Choquequirao

The archaeological site of Choquequirai is located on top of a mountain at an altitude of 3,050 m / 10,000 ft. The name means ‘Cradle of Gold’ in Quechua, but it is more commonly known as the ‘Sacred Sister of Machu Picchu’ due its resemblance to the Inca Citadel. It is widely believed that the 15th century site was one of the last bastions of resistance and refuge of the Inca royalty, after the siege of Cusco by the Spanish. In its entirety, Choquequirai spans 1,800 hectares, making it larger than the citadel of Machu Picchu. However currently only 40% of the ruins have been excavated. To reach the site, you must embark on a multi-day hike through the deepest canyon in the world, the Apurimac Canyon. For this reason, the ruins are little known to tourists. Giving you more of an exclusive experience along the historic Andean Mountain trail.

1.5 Maras and Moray

The Salineras de Maras and the circular terraces of Moray, are 2 of the most popular tourist attractions of the Sacred Valley. The town of Maras is famed for its unique stepped ‘salt mines’, located at an altitude of 3,200 m / 10,500 ft. The ‘mines’ comprise of 4,500 small wells, formed into stepped terraces, fed by a natural water source coming from the mountains. Salt is obtained once a month by means of drying the salt water under the sun, evaporating the liquid and leaving behind crystallised layers of salt. The salt is then flavoured and packaged and sold to all corners of the Cusco region. 7km from Maras are the famous circular terraces of Moray, which are considered to be the agricultural laboratory of the Inca empire. It is believed that the Inca culture brought products from all over the territory for the purpose of planting them in the fertile land of Moray. The complex is divided into groups of 4 terraces, each with its own microclimate. The individual stepped terraces boast different temperatures, heights, characteristics and respective irrigation canals. This unique set of conditions allowed the Incas to cultivate many different types of plants and grains in one controlled area. Andean culture also gives voice to the concentration of feminine energy at Moray, making it a magnetic center of mother earth Pachamama.

1.6 Sacred Valley

If you plan to spend your vacations in Peru, then look no further than the picturesque Sacred Valley for a deep dive into the history of the Incas. The valley is a hub for some of the most important archaeological complexes in the region, and is the gateway to the Sanctuary of Machu Picchu. Its agricultural terraces and native Quechua villages permeate the landscape, and give visitors an insight into the ancient lives of the inhabitants. It is also home to the famous network of Inca Trails that once facilitated communication channels through the Inca messengers called ‘chasquis’.

1.7 Inca Trail

The famous Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is one of the principal attractions of Peru. Known locally as the ‘Camino Inca’, it consists of a network of ancient Inca paths that lead to the lost city of the Inca’s through the Sanctuary of Machu Picchu. The classic 4-day Inca Trail is considered to be 1 of the 10 best hikes in the world and is a 43 km (26 mile) route through Andean Mountains, Amazonian cloud forests and ancient archaeological centers. The ‘Short Inca Trail’ is a 2-day excursion, covering 13km of trails, starting at the checkpoint of Kilometre 102. The tour culminates at the famous Inti Punku Sun gate, home to one of the best panoramic views of Machu Picchu, and includes a guided tour of the Inca citadel on day 2. Due to its popularity, if you wish to hike the Inca Trail, we strongly recommend that you book your place in advance.

2. Ica

2.1 Nazca Lines

The Nazca Lines are a collection of geoglyphs carved into the soil of the Nazca Desert in southern Peru. The patterns represent geometric shapes and animals, including a monkey, a hummingbird, and a whale, all of which are visible only from the air. The attraction has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and continues to be one of the most fascinating enigmas in world archaeology. Its massive figures were created by the Nazca civilisation between 500 BC and 500 AD. Theories about their purpose include astronomical markers and irrigation channels and a possible relationship with extraterrestrial messaging. However today, the Nazca lines still remain an unsolved mystery since their discovery in 1927. One thing is certain, their prestige to the Peruvian people is surpassed only by the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.

2.2 Huacachina

Huacachina is a small, picturesque village in the southwest of Peru. The settlement is built around a stunning turquoise oasis, surrounded by palm trees and golden sand dunes as far as the eye can see. Huacachina has been a favourite tourist destination for Peruvians and foreigners alike for decades, and is the perfect place to spend a relaxing weekend with friends or family. Amidst the backdrop of the sun setting behind the lagoon, visitors are treated to Sandboarding and Sand buggy experiences over the vast expanse of dunes that envelop the landscape.

2.3 Paracas

Paracas is the capital of the Ica region, located 245 km south of Lima along Pan-American highway. It is a small port town, a 4-hour bus from Lima, famed for being one of the major beach resorts of Peru. It is also home to the Paracas National Reserve which is the gateway to the biodiverse Ballestas Islands. The warm, shallow waters of this section of the pacific, give life to a variety of marine fauna, unique to the region, including sea lions, Humboldt penguins, dolphins and flamingos. The coastline is also home to the famous geoglyph, the El Candelabro de Paracas. Visitors can enjoy wildlife-watching boat tours to the islands which are accessible from Paracas, offering a chance to explore rock formations, and learn about the ecological importance of the protected area.

3. Tambopata National Reserve (Puerto Maldonado)

The Tambopata National Reserve is a treasure of the Peruvian Amazon and a must-visit destination for nature lovers from around the globe! It is a region of protected land, located in the south-east of Peru, close to the borders with Bolivia and Brazil. The reserve is home to three major rivers, riverine forests, and thousands of species of animals, plants and trees. Earning it the title of one of the most biodiverse places on the planet.

4. Colca Canyon (Arequipa)

The Colca Canyon is the second deepest canyon in Peru, and one of the deepest in the world. It is home to a cascade of pre-Inca agricultural stepped terraces, called ‘andenes’, which the local inhabitants still cultivate today. Aswell as the famous ‘Cruz del Condor’, a popular tourist viewpoint where Andean Condors can be seen flying overhead. Visitors of the canyon are treated to a variety of activities and adventure opportunities, accompanied by an impressive natural environment and pre-Inca historical sites.

5. Lake Titicaca (Puno)

Lake Titicaca is a large freshwater lake in the Andes mountains, located on the border of Bolivia and Peru. It is the highest navigable lake in the world, at an altitude of 3,812 m / 12,507 ft. It contains a total of 41 natural islands including Amantani, Taquile, Isla del Sol and Isla de la Luna. The lake is also home to the Uru Culture, one of the oldest and most indigenous ethnic groups on Lake Titicaca. Famed for their ‘Uros floating islands’, the indigenous Uru people, construct their man-made islands out of huge blocks of Totora Reed, an aquatic plant native to the lake. Visitors to Puno can enjoy a boat tour of the lake, visiting its main islands (both natural and man-made), and even immerse themselves in a cultural experience with the natives, where you are invited to live side by side with the inhabitants and share their customs and age-old traditions. Machu Picchu Viajes Peru can guide you throughout your entire visit to Peru. We have more than 10 years’ experience in the tourism industry, offering our clients a trustworthy service and a wealth of knowledge about the geography and history of Peru. Our vacation plans and tour packages ensure that you have the most fulfilling experience within the timescales you are visiting, getting to know the country’s most prestigious sites and ticking off all your bucket list desires. Our tours make travelling in Peru cost effective and effortless, thanks to their all-inclusive nature of transportation, accommodation, and pre-determined entrance into the tourist sites. From the moment you contact us, we will ensure you are well informed and looked after, and have the perfect customised package to suit your itinerary. Peru is a magnificent country will an abundance of treasures to see and do, so look no further than Machu Picchu Viajes Peru to make your dream adventure a reality!